VACANCY

Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation – Malawi (BCMCF-M) is a not-for-profit organization working in partnership with the Malawi Government in the health sector. Our Mission is to provide high-quality, high-impact, highly ethical pediatric and family-centered health care, health professional training and clinical research, focused on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, malnutrition and other conditions impacting the health and well-being of children and families worldwide.

BCMCF-M is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of

Position: HTS Coordinator
Contract Duration:  1 year (possibly renewable)
Location:  Lilongwe –COE
Reports to: Clinical Director

Position description and responsibilities

 The HTS coordinator is a team leader, responsible for overall supervision of HIV Testing services (HTS) and Provider Initiated Testing and Counseling (PITC), Syphilis and Hepatitis B testing services at the Center for Excellence (COE) and Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) pediatric department. S/he acts as a liaison between Ministry of Health (MOH) logistics office and COE.  S/he is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring that testing procedures are performed accurately and efficiently, and managing the testing team. This role involves ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, maintaining high levels of patient care, and contributing to the development and implementation of testing strategies.

 Key Responsibilities:

1. Supervision and Management

• Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B testing personnel.
• Schedule and coordinate staff shifts to ensure adequate coverage and optimal performance especially during weekends and or public holidays.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback, training, and support to team members.

2. Testing Services Quality Assurance:

• Monitor and ensure the accuracy and reliability of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B testing procedures and results.

1. 1. Ensures that test kits and quality controls are shipped quarterly, and proficiency test specimens shipped every 6 months.
   2. Participates in weekly quality control on specimens and supervises proficiency tests with counselors every six months

• Implement and adhere to quality control protocols and standards.
• Review documentation and work on errors from the scanform registers
• Review and analyze testing data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

3. Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure that all testing procedures comply with the Malawi national HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B testing guidelines, as well as Baylor policies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of HIV testing guidelines and best practices.
• Oversee the proper handling and disposal of biohazard materials and ensure a safe working environment all time.

4. Patient Care and Counseling:

• Ensure that patients receive appropriate pre- and post-test counseling.
• Address patient concerns and questions regarding HIV testing and results.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure follow-up care and support for patients with positive results as well as prevention services for patients with negative results.

5. Program Development and Implementation:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of HIV testing programs and initiatives at organizational level as well as at national level.
• Collaborate with other healthcare providers and community organizations to enhance testing outreach and services. Should be able to conduct organization mapping periodically
• Evaluate and improve testing protocols and procedures based on feedback and performance data.

6. Administrative Duties:

• Works with pharmacy and MoH logistics department to ensure adequate stocks of test kits and other supplies.  This includes assessing expiration dates of test kits and reordering when necessary.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of testing activities, results, and patient information.
• Prepare and submit reports on testing performance, outcomes, and other relevant issues such as linkage to prevention.
• Manage inventory of testing supplies and equipment, ensuring adequate stock levels.

7. Training and Development:

• Provide training and continuing education opportunities for staff to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Stay current with advancements in HIV testing technology and methodologies.
• Represent Baylor at Testing working groups.
• Fosters culture of personal continuous professional development.
• Abstract development for local/international conferences or symposiums.

Qualifications and Experience

• A health related diploma or any other related field.
• Certificate in MoH Skills Intensive HIV testing
• Certificate in Counseling obtained from recognized government training institution
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Minimum of two years practical experience working as an HTS provider / HIV Care clinic in a busy setting

Suitably qualified and experienced candidates should forward their applications, including a detailed Curriculum Vitae and names of three traceable referees to:

The Executive Director

Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation-Malawi

P/B B397

Lilongwe

E-mail: recruitment@baylor-malawi.org

Closing date for receiving applications is 30^th August 2024. Only shortlisted applicants will be acknowledged.